How Long Should You Leave Under-Eye Patches On?

Leave under-eye patches on for the time printed on the pack. Some are made for a short wait, while others are designed for 20–30 minutes. The JAYJUN Roselle Tea Eye Gel Patch label, for example, says 20–30 minutes. If you only have five minutes before leaving the house, save that pair for later or choose a product with a shorter wear time.

Start with the instructions on your own pack

Two crescent-shaped gels can look almost identical in the jar and still have different directions. Look at the box or the leaflet before you start, especially if you have switched brands or are opening a different variety. Check where the product is meant to go, when to remove it and what to do with the leftover essence. If the pack gives a range, you can choose a time within it that fits your morning.

Set a timer when the patches go on. It is easy to forget them while answering messages or making breakfast. A timer also lets you get on with something else without repeatedly checking whether the edges have dried. Treat the instructions as the guide to when to take them off.

How to get the patches to sit flat

Unless your pack directs otherwise, start after cleansing and before applying a rich cream. Pat the skin dry so there is less surface moisture for the gels to slide over. Lift one patch at a time with the clean applicator if your jar includes one. Lower it beneath the eye, leaving a little space below the lashes, then smooth it lightly so the curve follows the skin.

If the narrow tip keeps lifting at the inner corner, move it slightly further from the nose and see whether it lies flatter. If the patch keeps drifting down, check whether you put oil or a slippery product underneath. Follow any placement diagram on the packaging. Remove the patches early if they sting or feel uncomfortable, and keep them away from broken or irritated skin.

When they fit into getting ready

For a daytime routine, put them on early enough to give the gels their full wear time and still leave a few minutes for sunscreen and makeup. After peeling them away, follow the directions for the remaining essence. If the label says to pat it in, use a light touch and let the area settle before applying the next layer. A little time between steps is handy when the skin still feels tacky and concealer is next.

In the evening, it is often easier to start the timer just after removing makeup. Take the patches off while you are still up, then carry on with the rest of your routine. If you use a separate eye cream, our guide to applying eye cream explains where that step can fit.

Two hydrogel options from MUNO

JAYJUN Roselle Tea Eye Gel Patch comes in a jar of 60 patches, or 30 pairs. It contains roselle flower extract and is a moisturising option for when you have time to leave the patches on for 20–30 minutes.

COSRX Advanced Snail Hydrogel Eye Patch is another 60-patch jar. It includes small and large patches, which gives you a choice of fit. COSRX directs users to lift them with the included tweezers and remove them after 20–30 minutes. If you mainly want a quick pre-makeup step, check the wear time before choosing either jar.